Board allows 56x80 pole shed in shoreland feedlot with conditions to control runoff and bar animal storage

The Morrison County Board of Adjustment on Sept. 30 approved a variance to permit construction of a 56-by-80-foot, 27-foot-tall pole shed that would be sited approximately 200 feet from Little Rock Creek on a farm in Buckman Township. The board approved the variance with conditions intended to protect the creek and manage runoff.

Applicant Kurt Wazeka sought the variance because the proposed structure would be within the county’s shoreland setback requirements. Land Services staff cited Morrison County Shoreland rules in the staff report, noting a standard 100-foot setback from tributary rivers and that, because of the proposed structure’s size and height, a setback equal to four times the base setback would apply (effectively a 400-foot setback for this size). The proposed shed was sited about 200 feet from the creek and would straddle a lot line; the applicant indicated parcels would be combined to eliminate the property-line issue.

Staff reported the farm includes a Tier 1 beef/chicken feedlot, that portions of the feedlot lie within the shoreland zoning district, and that Little Rock Creek is listed in the staff materials as impaired for aquatic life, aquatic recreation and drinking water. To reduce environmental risk, staff recommended—and the board adopted—conditions that the structure not be used for animal or manure storage; that roof runoff be controlled so it does not enter the open cattle lot to the west; and that ditching be installed on the north and south sides of the building to direct water to the east.

Board discussion referenced existing legal nonconforming structures on the farm, including a 38-foot grain bin, and members noted the shed would be largely out of view from the road and clustered near other farm structures. Board members said practical difficulties included the farm’s long-established layout, existing utilities and irrigation lines, and the desire to protect productive cropland from placement of the building. Members also emphasized the shoreland designation and the need for conditions to prevent runoff to the creek.

A motion by Marvin, seconded by Clint, approved the variance with the staff-recommended conditions. The vote was unanimous. The board instructed the applicant to continue working with Land Services to implement the stormwater controls and to ensure the structure is not used for animal or manure holding.